Though Michigan’s roster has seen many changes this offseason, the team’s dedication remains strong. However, a recent setback came in the form of a serious injury to senior safety Rod Moore. A starter since his freshman year, Moore is expected to miss significant time after reportedly tearing his ACL, requiring surgery.

Now LaMar Morgan, Sherrone Moore’s new Defensive Back coach, addressed the situation. While he couldn’t share details of the injury, he confirmed Moore will be out for a long time and will need surgery. While speaking to the press, Morgan also highlighted Michigan’s strong team culture, praising Moore’s dedication even while injured. 

Michigan’s team culture shines through: Coach Morgan

During a recent press conference in Ann Arbor, new Michigan football passing game coordinator LaMar Morgan expressed enthusiasm for his team. “We have got a lot of talent here,” he said. He also took a moment to praise the team’s star defensive back/safety Rod Moore, “The guy gets injured, and the next day he’s the first guy at the front seat. In every meeting, he hasn’t missed anything. He’s asking questions. He’s just unbelievable but that’s the culture we have here.”

Morgan continued to praise the defense, stressing the vast amount of talent on his roster. While the new Michigan system under Sherrone Moore may raise doubts among some, coach Morgan stands firm in his belief in the team.

Michigan defense faces challenge after Rod Moore’s injury

The Michigan Wolverines have some great names on the defense, and safety Rod Moore was one such key figure on the field. When asked about replacing Moore’s leadership, Coach Morgan didn’t hesitate. He has high hopes for Makari Paige to take on a bigger role now that Moore is out. He’s also excited about the young players on the team who are hungry for a chance to play.

According to Morgan, other potential starters include the well-experienced 6th-year defensive back Quinten Johnson, along with Zeke Berry, Brandyn Hillman, and Ja’den McBurrows. While the team hasn’t explicitly announced Moore’s absence for the entire season, it’s clear his loss will have a significant impact for the time being. 

Read More: Sherrone Moore Battles Uphill as Michigan Staffs’ Drought Persists Without Jim Harbaugh

Last season, Rod Moore did great on Michigan’s defense, earning praise from new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who called him one of the “smartest safeties” he’s ever coached. Despite being draft-eligible, Moore returned for a final season alongside fellow safety Makari Paige.  However, after his departure, the new depth will be severely tested in the upcoming games. What do you think about the new look of Michigan’s defense? Let us know in the comments below. 

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